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Around the District

Posted: Monday, February 15, 2010

School board to meet

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. at 148 N. Binkley St. in Soldotna (unless otherwise noted.)

For more information, call 714-8888 or visit http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/school_board.aspx?id=13414. The agenda and packet items are posted on Wednesday afternoon prior to the date of the Board meeting.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodations to participate at School Board meetings should contact Sally Tachick at 907-714-8836, or e-mail stachick@kpbsd.k12.ak.us no later than three business days before the meeting date.

* Today;

* March 1;

* April 5;

* May 3 (at Seward High School);

* June 7; and

* June 8 (board planning session.)

How to volunteer in district schools

At Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, we take very seriously our responsibility to safeguard students while they are in our care.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, not everyone's intentions are genuine, and the District cannot in good conscience overlook the possible threat to student safety that could be posed by people in the school building. Anyone interested in being a school volunteer needs to complete a form online and agree to a background check. The form should only take a few minutes to complete, and all information gathered will be kept confidential.

Volunteers are anyone who will be in the school on a regular basis. School visitors do not need to complete the form.

Visitors would be guest speakers, those attending a large group function or parents visiting just their own student, for instance to have lunch with them.

Information from the screening and background check is not released to the schools or school administrators.

Only a few members of the District's Human Resources department will have access to the information, and safeguards are in place to ensure its security.

When you reach the employment page, click on "Volunteer" category link, and choose one of the schools on the following page.

Click on the "Apply" button to start the volunteer application process.

KPBSD appreciates your assistance in helping us be better stewards of children. Please contact your school administrator if you have questions regarding this matter.

District pandemic preparedness statement

The risk of serious illness appears to be greatest for infants and young children, pregnant women, young adults through age 24, and persons with underlying health problems. If you or your child have or develop symptoms of influenza, please notify your health care provider.

For important information from the CDC, State of Alaska and KPBSD, we strongly encourage you to visit our Pandemic Preparedness page at http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/departments.aspx?id=14180

Workforce opportunities available

High school students can enroll in any of the after school classes offered at local high schools. All classes are free to the student and transportation may be provided if needed. When a student successfully completes the course they will receive practical art credit. Each academy is six to eight weeks long and two to three days a week or totaling 60 hours. Construction academies teach students entry level skills in welding, carpentry, electrical and drafting/blueprint reading. These academies are possible thanks to funding from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Develop.m.ent, and the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Develop.m.ent.

An Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) class will start on February 8th. Passing the ETT final exam is required to receive certification.

Also being offered is Introduction To Criminal Justice Career Pathways. Students will explore different career choices in law enforcement. The Youth First and Carl Perkins grant makes these classes possible. For schedules and information on any of these classes or to sign up contact Leanne Abendroth at 283-2145 or e-mail her at labendroth@kpbsd.k12.ak.us .

Scholarships offered

* Homer Electric scholarships are available for graduating seniors from each of HEA's three districts and adults, throughout the service territory, wishing to continue their education. The deadline for submitting HEA scholarship applications is 5 p.m. March 1.

All HEA members are eligible as well as their children and legal dependents. Applications are available at HEA offices, Kenai Peninsula schools and colleges, as well as on Homer Electric's Web site at

www.homerelectric.com. Scholarship recipients will be presented with their scholarship award at the HEA annual meeting May 5 at Kenai Central High School.

In addition, scholarships to the annual Youth Rally in Idaho are offered. High school sophomores and juniors are eligible for an expense-paid week in Caldwell, Idaho in July to enhance leadership skills, learn about cooperatives and participate in team-building exercises. Deadline for entries is April 2.

For more information, please call 283-5831 in Kenai, 235-8551 in Homer, or toll-free at 800-478-8551 or visit www.homerelectric.com.

* Alaska's Kenai Peninsula Chapter Safari Club International is accepting applications for a $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years) to a graduating senior from any accredited high school with in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The essay topic is "Should shooting sports be allowed in schools?" Submissions must defend their position. Applications are available at www.kenaisci.org or the KPBSD one-stop scholarship Web site. The deadline is April 1.

Connections home-school program

Connections will host an activity and Iditarod Dog Sled Presentation by Iditarod Musher Bruce Linton on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at the Soldotna Sports Center from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. Pizza and soda furnished by Connections. RSVP lee@kpbsd.k12.ak.us to advise how many will be attending.

The school now has a secure password protected forum http://connect.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/forum/. No spammers will be able to get in. All joiners go through an approval process. When joining use a first and last name or you will not be approved. This is to prevent unwanted users from being inadvertently approved.

Seniors are asked to stop by the office for a graduation packet.

For information and activities, visit the website at http://connect.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/index.html

Grace Lutheran

The third-eighth graders participated in the school's spelling bee. Second runner-up was Hannah Love and first runner-up was Jessica Roper. Sophie Thomas won the competition and will be representing Grace Lutheran at the State Spelling Bee in Anchorage.

The school is re-opening its new school building located off Ciechanski Rd. Grades 1-8 have moved back into the facility following the installation of a sprinkler system. The public is invited to drop in and check out the building which is again rated class E for educational purposes.

Inquiries for the 2010-2011 school year are now being taken. In addition to grades 1-8, Grace Lutheran offers three- and four- year old preschool classes and a half day kindergarten program. Call 293-9551 for more information.

Kalifornsky Beach

The 5th and 6th grade Battle of the Books Team took first place for the district. They will compete at the state Battle of the Books competition on Feb. 17. Team members are: Dalton Staller, Lavender Burns, Mariah Kjostad, Jessica Segura and Andrew Agosti.

The 3rd and 4th grade Battle of the Books team placed 8th out of 21 district teams. Team members are: Anna Aley, Melia Miller, Doreena Doyle and alternates: Aliann and Danica Schmidt.

If you have any questions or concerns about your student, contact the teacher at any time throughout the year.

Continue sending in your Box Tops for Education. There is a list of items that can be accepted that is posted on the wall in the common. Some of these items are: Capri Sun packages, Tyson labels, and Kool Aid packages.

Mrs. Murphy's 6th grade class held their annual Super Bowl Readathon.

The 1st place team was made up by: Lavender Burns, Russell Yurcina, Bekah Keener and Makenna Rosin.

The other team MVP's were Jessica Ramirez, Delaney Crosby-Schneider, Alex Kaminski, Jayzen Zimmer and Lavender Burns. The MVP's from each team read more minutes the month of January than other team members. They will enjoy a "Tailgate" party in their room with certificates and pizza.

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science

The deadline for re-enrollment forms for the 2010-2011 school year is past, however, if you have a child that will have sibling preference next year, you need to complete the sibling lottery application by the March 5, 4 p.m. deadline.

After school activities continue this week with Dino Club (for 1st graders), Gym Activities and Photo Club starting at 3:50 today; Yoga is Thursday at 3:50 p.m. Pick up time for these clubs is 4:50.

The PTA will meet today at 4 p.m.

Parent informational meetings for families new to KSAS are scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m.; Saturday at 1 p.m. and Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. It is mandatory that new parents attend one meeting.

School tours will be held Wednesdays in February from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

The PTA Winter Carnival is scheduled for Friday.

Bingo for Books will be the Family Fun Night on February 25th from 6 to 7 p.m. The library is collecting donations of books (baby to adult) that are clean and in good condition for the event. The books can be dropped off at the library anytime.

Yearbook orders are being taken and the cost is $15. The PTA is looking for photos and if you have any you'd like to share put them on a CD and drop it off at the office.

Kenai Central High

Parents: Tuesday, February 16, students will be pre-registering for next year's classes during advisory. Students should be bringing home a course list of next year's classes. Help assist your child in filling out their schedule to make sure that they are challenging themselves academically. The forms are due back to the student's advisory teacher Feb. 23.

This week's Events

Tuesday- Girl's JV BB vs. Port Lions 4 p.m.

Thursday - District Skills USA Competition

Friday and Saturday - Regions XCC Skiing @ Kenai: Tsalteshi

Kenai Middle

The 8th grade class will be going on their annual ice fishing trip Feb. 26. If you would like to help out or volunteer let the school know and fill out the volunteer form online at: www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us .

Click on the 'volunteer openings' tab and apply to Kenai Middle School.

If you have any questions call the office at 283-1700.

Whitney Reynolds won the spelling bee for KMS Feb. 10. Savannah Bilyeu came in second place. Whitney will travel to Anchorage for the state wide competition in March.

The Kossack Korner is in need of large sweatshirts or hoodies for students. If you have any gently used hoodies or sweatshirts, please send them to the office.

FEBRUARY:

Feb. 16 -- Volleyball at KMS 3 p.m.

Feb. 18 -- Volleyball B at KMS 3 p.m. and A at 4 p.m.; Site Council at 5 p.m. in the Library

Volleyball Club open to 5th grade students will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the month of February. Students will need to have a signed permission slip and will need to be picked up at 4:15 p.m.

There will be a PTA meeting at 6 p.m. today in the library.

Site Council will meet on Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. in the library.

To celebrate "Love of Reading" month we are inviting members of the community to come and read to classrooms Feb. 26 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. If you are interested in reading your favorite story to students call the office at 283-8600 for more information.

Nikiski Middle-High

It has been said: The mediocre teacher tells, The good teacher explains, The superior teacher demonstrates, The great teacher inspires! It is clear that art teacher Ms. Anna Widman is one of these! Ms. Widman is a teacher that is willing to be in a room with 42 students all holding razor sharp chisels. That is definitely deserving of the Golden Apple.

Sixth grade conversation -- As many of you may already be aware, we have begun a community conversation about the possibility of moving 6th graders from the Nikiski North Star Building to our campus and making them a part of the Middle School. No decisions have been made at this point and if we were to move forward, a move would likely not occur until the 2011-2012 school year.

To date we have had two meetings on the subject, our October Joint Site Council Meeting with Nikiski North Star and a community meeting earlier in November. At the November meeting we outlined for the parents and community members in attendance why we were proposing to move the 6th graders up to the middle school and as a group identified what the potential issues, concerns, and benefits would be. At our respective December Site Council meetings, we will form a formal committee which will be tasked with finding solutions to the potential issues and making a recommendation to the Site Councils. All meeting dates will be well publicized, public, and open for anyone interested in attending. A final decision will be made in March.

If we do decide to move forward we will use next school year to plan and begin the formal transition of 6th graders to the middle school for the 2011-2012 school year.

Committee Meeting Dates/Times:

*February 16th at 7 p.m. at the Nikiski Middle-High School Library

*March 9th at 7 p.m. at the Nikiski Middle-High School Library.

Nikiski North Star Elementary

The school is participating in the "One Book, One School" program. Each child should have received a copy of the book, "Indian in the Cupboard". Families are encouraged to read a chapter each night and discuss what happens in the chapter. The following day, there will be trivia questions for both students and parents, along with prizes. This is a great activity for families to enjoy at home.

There will be a 6th grade conversion meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Nikiski Middle/ Senior High School. The meeting will be held in the library and is open to the public. For more information, call 776-9400.

The school Forensics meet is scheduled for Friday, February 19th from 9:10 am to 12:15 p.m. in the library. This is for 3rd through 6th grade students. Parents are welcome to attend.

The fourth and fifth graders will perform a Beatles Tribute Concert Thursday Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at Nikiski High School auditorium. Students in Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Matson, Mr. Floyd and Mr. Boyls's classes will be singing and dancing to some of your favorite tunes. The band accompanying the singers is local talent, The Rizzo Family.

Redoubt Elementary

The 5th graders are coordinating a school fundraiser for Haiti. Donations in any amount will be greatly appreciated. All money collected will be given to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief.

February is love of reading month. Students are encouraged to participate in the library's Go for the Gold reading challenge. Twenty-two students have earned gold medals for their classes so far. The challenge ends Feb. 26.

Last week's Big G Box Tops drawing winner was Vanessa Steiner.

Parents are asked to contact Nurse Donna at 260-4306 if they are interested in a second H1N1 flu clinic at the school. In order to be effective, two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine are required for children 9 years old and younger.

For updates on news and sports information go to https://www.edline.net/pages/Skyview_High or www.highschoolsports.net

Soldotna Elementary

Student preregistration forms were sent home with students this week. Review and return them by March 5 so classroom assignments can be planned for next year.

FunFest is planned for Feb. 26 from 3:30-5:30. Students who have registered will be able to participate in activities such as making tissue paper art, stenciling, playing bingo, cooking or face painting. Due to extensive coordinating, there can be no late registrations. PTA and Soldotna Elementary staff are sponsoring the event to benefit funding Smart Boards for classrooms.

PTA ice cream sale will be Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. and crazy hair day will also be celebrated on that day.

The Boxtops for Education drive continues and classes with the most box tops will win a popcorn/ movie party sponsored by the PTA. The school receives funds related to the number of returned box tops.

Louis Redmon is the Honor Buck winner for the week. Louis exemplified kindness and caring to another student this past week.

Soldotna High

Students have been recruited and selected to take part in a special SMART BOARD training for Students. The goal of this training is for students to be able to use our SMART BOARDS (11 Smart Boards currently at SOHI) as an education tool when they are presenting and/or working on various classroom assignments. We are hoping that these students will also be willing to help other students from time to time and also help their classroom teachers with various classroom presentations and/or lessons. The following students will be the new "Star Techies": Cole Aaronson, Zach Hale, Jayme Christian, Michael Hill, Shara Leaders, Devin Hutchings, Joseph Rife, Torrey Johnson, Heidi Westerman, Lizzie McDermid, Kaycee Munn, Kelsey Meyer, Trevor Earll, Austin Murray, Kaillee Skjold, Rachel Wyatt, Madeleine Wilcox, Zach Michl, Kaitlyn Sperber, Jonathan Granger, and Molly Fenton.

Blaine Carver has signed his national letter of intent to play soccer at Seattle Pacific University. Carver is the 2009 Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year. He amassed 77 goals in just three prep campaigns, with his senior season still to play in the spring.

Student Council is collecting gently used dresses, shoes, and accessories for Cinderella's Closet 2010. This program will donate items for prom to local ladies in need. Items can be dropped off to the main office or Room 9.

Soldotna Montessori Charter School

Twenty three 1st through 3rd graders participated in the primary grade spelling bee. Third graders Trenton Steadman and Jessy Jeffries tied for second place. The first place winner was 2nd grader Alex Montague. The spelling bee for students in grades 4 through 6 took place on Wednesday, February 10. The winners of this contest will be announced. The first place winner of the Intermediate Spelling Bee will travel to compete in the state spelling bee in Anchorage later this month.

Applications for our 2010 - 2011 school year enrollment lottery must be received no later than March 5 by 3 P.m..

There will be a parent orientation for prospective parents on Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

SMCS held a T-shirt drive to support the relief effort in Haiti. Students in all grades brought in their like new T-shirts to send to Haiti for school-aged kids in need.

The fifth grade band will hold a concert Friday at 11:45 a.m. in the music room.

Students are preparing for their musical program March 30. Parents and volunteers are needed to help with props and staging.

Sixth grade swimming lessons at Soldotna High School will be conducted from March 22- April 2. Parent volunteers are needed to transport students to and from the school and to chaperone students during these afternoon lessons.

The new 3:40 dismissal time has significantly relieved the traffic congestion in our parking lot. Thanks so much for your cooperation. This small change has had a positive impact on the dismissal process for both schools in the building.

Sterling Elementary

The 5th/6th grade Battle of the Books team took 4th place and the 3rd and 4th grade Battle of the Books team took 1st place for the Borough. The 3rd/4th grade team will go on to compete in the state competition on February 18th. The Great Aluminum Can Round Up is quickly approaching, so start collecting your cans and help the school win top prize. Collected cans can be dropped off in the side parking lot of the school near the red box. The next PTA meeting in scheduled for Tuesday February 16th at 4 p.m. in the school Library, snacks and childcare are provided. The school is hosting a parent information meeting regarding the Standards Based Assessment that students in grades three through ten take every spring. The meeting is from 4:00-5:00 in the Library on February 23 and parents of third graders are especially encouraged to attend since their children will take the test for the first time in April of this year. Baby-sitting will be available.

The school's AmeriCorps member would like to remind all adult Sterling community members that the school is open for adults to play basketball or do some hall walking on Thursday nights from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. There is also a Crafting Day planned for Saturday February 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school Library, for any ladies who would like to bring their sewing machines, scrapbooking supplies, or any other craft they might like to work on.

Tebughna School News

Students too wanted to do their part to help in the Hatian relief effort. They decided to join the organization, Convoy of Hope, which is working to bring food, water, cleaning supplies and water filters to the people of Haiti. As an initial effort, a pizza sale and bake sale fundraiser was done on Tuesday, January 26th. The fundraiser was a great success, generating $350 to donate to Convoy of Hope.

The second part of the plan is to create hygiene kits to send to Haiti. The kits will be made by the students from donated supplies. Each kit needs the following items: a full size bottle of shampoo, 1 toothbrush, a full size container of toothpaste, 1 bar of antibacterial soap, a hand towel, and a comb. Students at Tebughna will take the supplies and create hygiene kits by placing everything in a gallon-size zipper bag. If anyone is interested in donating materials for this part of the project, you can contact grade 3-5 teacher Michelle Anderson (Tebughna school #583-2291) or drop supplies off at the school.

Ron Showers, the Outreach Director of Convoy of Hope, emailed Michelle and her class to let them know they are the first school in Alaska to join Convoy of Hope.

During the Peninsula Winter Games, Tebughna had 12 students participate in the Native Youth Olympics. First grader Kalub Constantine received a 4th place medal for the Kneel Jump. Fifth graders Frankie Standifer, Trinity Standifer, Raquell Salas and Jerome Salas participated in numerous events and had eight medals between them. Middle school students Leona Stephan, Christy Moon, Randall Jones, Edna Standifer and Basil Moore all took part in the games. Edna and Randall both received first place medals. Angelena McCord and Justin Constantine, both high school students, received medals in their events. All together, Tebughna students ended up with 17 medals and showed great sportsmanship for their teammates and other participants. John Standifer coached the team while Sally Stephan, Crystal Jackson, Brandy Standifer and Christy Gomez helped by chaperoning the event.

Tustumena Elementary

The following students were participants for the district wide battle: Selby Hill, Holly Todd, Mika Wong, and Brighton Turvin.

Pre-Registration for Kindergarten for the 2010-11 School Year. Bring immunization records and birth certificate from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. Call the school for days.

Tuesday -- PTO meeting at 4 p.m.

Friday -- Winter carnival, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 --site council meeting at 4 p.m.

Wings Christian Academy

Kindergarten- second grade moon projects are due Tuesday

Merit Store will be held Feb. 22.

The office of the week in the Upper Learning Center is Mathew Grant.

The office of the week in the Lower Learning Center is Kobe Miller.

Final away basketball games will be held Friday and Saturday against Eagle River Rams at 6 p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m. Saturday.

Elementary students should have cold weather clothing here each day for outdoor recess, coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snowpants.